Your success
5 steps to success when working with a translator (or proofreader)
Having your text translated or proofread means giving it into someone else's hands. There are a few things you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly.
1
Make sure to send over the final version of your text
You might think this is obvious but it is really important to actually make sure that the text you send to your translator or proofreader really is the final version.
It might result in additional work and higher costs to avoid inconsistencies in the text, if we start working on an old version of your file.
If you do need to change the text while your translator or proofreader has already started working on it, do let them know as soon as possible! That way, you can work out the best handle the situation.
2
Provide existing translations and glossaries
If you have documents that have already been translated into the same language, think about sharing them with your translator.
The same goes for glossaries and any other available material. This will allow us to make sure your translations are consistent from one project to the next.
3
Name one contact person
If there are several people involved in the project, it makes sense to choose one person for all contacts with the translator or proofreader. This person can then provide feedback or answer any questions about your text.
Texts can be ambiguous and it is always better for the translator or proofreader to just ask for clarification than to guess.
4
Be clear about
what you need the text for
In order to adapt your text to the right culture, the translator not only needs to know the language the text is to be translated into. They also need to know more about the target audience and the reason for the translation. The text type and audience will greatly influence the style of the translation.
The same applies to proofreading: knowing the intended readership ensures finding the right tone.
5
Talk to us.
We will hear you.
You would have written something differently? Talk to your translator or proofreader!
There might be a reason why they chose to write the text one way and not another. Some cultural references, for instance, will not work in the culture of your target audience, so we might have chosen to rather explain the reference, use a different one or even leave it out completely.
If you prefer a certain wording, please let us know beforehand. Then we discuss whether it fits. This ties in with point two: if you want us to use certain terminology, please say so beforehand. That saves a lot of time - and costs.